December 29 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary service 

December 29, 2024 – First Sunday of Christmas 

Guest PREACHER: Rev. Rebecca Blazier-Higman

Prelude:  “Variations on In dulci jubilo” (Var. 1–4; hymn 132), Denis Bédard (b. 1950) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome - Robin Lyle

Call to Worship  (adapted from Psalm 148)  - Robin Lyle 

Oh, Lord in the heavens, we praise you. 

      Along with the whole host of angels, the sun and moon, and all the shining stars, we praise the Lord. 

Even the heavens and the waters above the heavens praise the Lord. 

      They praise the Lord’s name, for God commanded and all of creation came into being. 

All creatures on Earth praise the Lord, and even the weather fulfills the Lord’s command. 

      Mountains and hills, trees and animals, creeping things and flying birds, leaders and citizens of the whole planet - 

Young people and old together: 

      Let them praise the name of the Lord, for God’s name alone is exalted and God’s glory is above earth and heaven. 

God has raised up a horn for God’s people - praise for all God’s faithful - for those who are close to God. 

      Praise the Lord!                                                                                                       

Processional Hymn #136: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” GO TELL IT

The Peace Candle & Morning Prayer - Robin Lyle

Passing the Peace - Robin Lyle

…The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

*Response #71: “Surely, It is God Who Saves Me” (refrain only; sing twice) FIRST SONG 

Moment for All Ages - Barbara Brownlee

Baptism: Julian Szymanski, grand-nephew of Robert Calvert  - Rev. Rebecca Blazier-Higman

Prayer for Illumination - Susan Schlecht

First Scripture Reading: Psalm 133 - Susan Schlecht

Sermon Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17 - Rev. Rebecca Blazier-Higman 

Sermon: “Don We Now Our Beloved Apparel” - Rev. Rebecca Blazier-Higman 

*Hymn #150: “As with Gladness Men of Old” DIX

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Susan Schlecht 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

God of all, our gifts represent what we have and what we are, all of which has come from you. Accept the gifts we bring today, that as we bring them in love, so we may respond to the needs of others and extend hospitality to strangers, through Jesus, the one who has come today to save and redeem us. Amen.   

Offertory Solo: “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” Robert MacGimsey (1898–1979) - Paris Cheffer, baritone

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH                                                        

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer - Rev. Rebecca Blazier-Higman

Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Susan Schlecht

*Closing Hymn #265: “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun” DUKE

Charge & Benediction - Rev. Rebecca Blazier-Higman 

Postlude:  “Variations on In dulci jubilo” (Var. 5, 6; hymn 132), Denis Bédard (b. 1950) - Jack Rain, organ 

——————————————

Announcements:

Today, December 29

  • A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service

Monday, December 30

  • Card Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., Church Office Conference Room

Wednesday, January 1 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  • Church Office closed

Friday, January 3

  • Men's Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123

  • Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom

Sunday, January 5

  • Childcare available 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pickups, Room S-203

  • Connect Service, 9 a.m., Youth Center

  • Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-5th), 10 a.m., Room S-202

  • Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, January 6, 4 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Monday, January 13, we welcome Rev. Robert Galloway for his first day at FPC!

Amy McCutcheon